Big Road Blues Discussion Forums

A place to post guitar tabs separately from other discussion so it doesn’t get lost in the messages. To make it easy to search we suggest starting a new thread for each song posted and include the song name in your title. We’ll be able to make a nice archive if we keep tab here and discussion on the other forums.

[updated:LAST EDITED ON Jan-19-06 AT 02:50 AM (EST)]Petou, I only tab I know of Aberdeen is the one below...
It's Kenny Wayne Sheppard's version, which is a great version.
Think the basic rifs are played in the same way as by Bukka.
http://www.slidingzone.de/SLIDINGZONE/KWS/Aberdeen.htmlEnjoy

I play a couple of Bukka songs.
Parchman farm and Fixin to die.
Fixin to die is open d tuning with a capo at the 4th fret, making it f#.
I'd tab it for ya, but I don't have the software.
It uses the basic shape I IV V chords for open d, and the riff centre's around the 5th string, on the 3rd and 2nd frets.
Does this help?

Sure, but are you talking about his first recording of it c.1940, or his post-rediscovery version with the guitar slapping over the 1st line of each verse?

The early version is in open E tuning. It's pretty straightforward....but his 60's recordings of it are quite different, he didn't develop his E Minor tuning until after his classic pre-WWII recordings.

Best way to learn the song (at least the 60s version) is to get yourself a copy of this video:

[updated:LAST EDITED ON Jan-21-06 AT 04:27 AM (EST)]>Oh no it wasn't.
>Your wrong!

Bukka never used a capo - ever. Unless he was playing a 7 string guitar with a low string tuned c# to be hitting the V in the bass (and that's as likely as Bukka playing a Chapman Stick)...there's no way he could have played the song in D tuning because the low string in D tuning is the tonic. If you can't hear him hitting the V in the bass from time to time ---- listen more closely!

I've gotta go with Zak on this one, it's in open G. I can't comment on the never using a capo thing, but I certainly hear a low D note in there below the root. That tab that floats around on the web that says it's in open D just bothers me.
And I'm glad to hear I'm not crazy, cause I listen to "aberdeen blues" and swear that I hear a bit of a minor chord in it. That really quick hammer on in the main riff. Very cool.
Jim
http://www.soundclick.com/jimnjblues

I personally don't think I'd wanna debate this w/ Zak or Jim anymore than I'd wanna debate electronics or old guns with Ricochet!
I now look fwd to given it a go in G vs. D cuz it sure can't sound any worse than my orig. attempt in D